My mum is hair queen. For as long as I can remember she’s been hair-obsessed and always has the best, most fabulous products and a signature Jill style. It’s a mystery, then, that this obsession didn’t rub off on me sooner.

I decided earlier this year that I needed to up my hair game – it was brittle, fine and generally lacked any juzj-factor. It was time to make some changes.

My pores and I have a history of not getting on so well. Whilst my skin isn’t majorly problematic when it comes to spots and pimples, blackheads are another story. I find the blackheads on and around my nose become quite prominent if I don’t keep up with a good routine, though I don’t want to be scrubbing at my skin every day to get rid of them. As skin care has been something I’ve taken care over from quite a young age, I’ve had a fair amount of time now to find some products and a routine that really works for me when it comes to tackling blackheads and clearing my pores. Read more

Coming online to discuss mental health is certainly no new feat, though I’m pleased I’m able to make that statement as more people are opening up and sharing their experiences, particularly with regards to anxiety. It’s something that I (and several friends) have experienced, more so during university and particularly within the last two years. There have been significant low points where anxiety has dragged me down and totally consumed me for long periods of time, and other more day-to-day struggles where I’ve felt a sudden sense of dread or uncertainty and a strange discomfort that seems impossible to shift in the moment. Whilst CBT and other forms of therapy can be very effective for gradual improvement and long term results, if I do begin to feel overwhelmed by my anxiety, it’s comforting to know that I’m able to take control through some small actions. Read more

It’s been a little over a year since I returned from my year abroad in France, though I can hardly believe it’s been that long. Whilst it was at times incredibly difficult and took me through some of the lowest points I’ve faced so far in my life, it was simultaneously an amazing experience with plenty of highs and has without a doubt transformed me into a much more interesting human being. Though I try not to look back on the year with regrets, there are definitely some things I would’ve done differently to make the most of the experience (hindsight is a wonderful thing). So, as a new wave of Year Abroaders will soon be making their way to their new temporary homes abroad, I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 tips to read before embarking on what should be one of the most intense, crazy, exciting years of your life. Read more